We’ve all seen phone numbers in movies that always start with a 555…
My question: is that a legal issue, or a courtesy issue? Anyone who remembers 80’s pop music can still recite the phone number 867-5309. And we all heard reports of people who actually had that phone number getting crank calls all around the nation.
But if I made a movie, is there a law prohibiting me from using an actual or randomly generated phone number in a film? And what if the number is mine, or owned by the production company? Would the company then be obligated to keep the number for a certain # of years, or could they disconnect it as soon as the movie was released and just feel some faux pity for any future loser who gets stuck with the number from the phone company?
So, by a show of hands, who can tell me the answer. OK, you… in the third row…
555 is an exchange set up by the phone company so that people don’t get annoying calls from clever trousers who hear a number in a film or song. AFAIK there is no law that says a 555 number must be used. I think there’s an article about it at Snopes, and I’m sure there’s a thread here; but I don’t feel like looking it up right now.
It is really a courtesy issue…
used to be that all 555 numbers were fair game. Generally, the only valid 555 number was 555-1212 for Directory Assistance.
As long as you don’t include an area code to make it a valid number, there should be fewer problems.
However, film makers, etc are sensitive to this and don’t want leave themselves open to a lawsuit, a la 867-5309
Remember, Anybody can sue for anything, but if they win, is up to the courts.
Now, only 555-10XX numbers are reserved for “fictional use”.
Other 555 numbers may be assigned for whatever use.
Best use one of those.
I know of one instance,where a valid number was used, and it was indeed a number whose recorded announcement promoted the film. A cite escapes me.
Historical fact:
The phone company’s “display” number in adverts was Klondike 5-2368 and when area codes and All Numbers Calling came about, they used area code 311 555-2368…
I believe the film was Magnolia , and it was an 800 number with a recording by Tom Cruise (as his character in the movie). (Is that what you’re thinking of?)
Well, if 311 is a fictional area code, then why don’t fimmakers use that followed by a real-sounding 7-digit number? People are sing 10 digit numbers more frequently anyway.
Shimmery- You may well was be correct! Though the memory fades…
sqweels - You raise a valid point… but alot people don’t understand the concept of area codes… I know I would be freaked out if saw my 7 digit number in a movie…but as you say with 10 digit dialling going on, it may not be such an issue, however now, the code 311 has been reserved for the NON-Emergency brother/sistet to 911.
Still best to use the 555-10xx numbers.
I was told that, in ancient times, the monolith that was ATT designated the 555 prefix for it’s internal use - therby ensuring that no ‘real’ phone would ever be assigned a 555 prefix.
And your ‘area code’ startd life (1947) as a NPA - National Prefix Area.
I once was assigned 888-8888 - until the folks behind the counter (several of whom had had the number) assured me that I really didn’t want to hear from every drunk, every small child playing with a phone, etc.
My guess is that losers sitting at home watching the video or DVD with too much time on their hands would pick up the phone and dial the real-sounding 7-digit number in their own area code.
You are correct, sir! The movie was Magnolia, and the toll-free number in the film – 877-TAME-HER – did indeed connect you to a recording of Tom Cruise describing the T.J. Mackey materials.
Sunspace: good idea, but don’t use 555.
Just think about when 10 digit dialing becomes standard and we’ll have to listen to characters in movies give out their numbers as: 555-555-xxxx
Robert Cormier, the late author of I am the Cheese , a very good young adult novel, used his actual phone number in the book. He got numerous calls from kids who read his book, of course. I always found it amazing he would be willing to do that.
